Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane

Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane
Stars: 3/5

Length: 260 pages
Blurb
"I'll do anything."

Staff Sergeant Jasper "Ace" Atchison takes one look at Private Sonny Daye and knows that every word on paper about him is pure, unadulterated bullshit. But Sonny is desperate, and although Ace isn't going to take him up on his offer of "anything," that doesn't mean he isn't tempted.

Instead, Ace takes Sonny under his wing, protecting him when they're in the service and making plans with him when they get out. Together, they're going to own a garage and build race cars and make their fortune hurtling faster than light across the desert. Together, they're going to rewrite the past, make Sonny Daye a whole and happy person, and put the ghosts in Ace's heart to rest.

But not even Sonny can build a car fast enough to escape the ghosts of the past. When Sonny's ghosts drive them down and run their plans off the road, Ace finds out exactly what he's made of. Maybe Sonny was the one to promise Ace anything, but there is nothing under the sun Ace won't do to keep Sonny safe from harm.

Overall
Warning: Due to circumstances, I took an eight-month hiatus from reading this book, which may alter my perspective on it.

While there are some elements of this book that are great, my disconnect from the characters kept me from really getting involved in the story.

Review
From the beginning I had troubles really getting into this story. The story itself is fine, the writing is fine, but the characters didn’t grab me by the heartstrings and demand I hear their story. They are good, deep, sweet characters, but for some reason I just didn’t connect. this of course made the book more difficult to get through (although the hiatus was for personal reasons, not because of the book). I think my main struggles are based around the main vehicle of the story (racing, the army), both of which left me lukewarm.

When I picked up the book again, I was a little lost and I probably should have just reread the darn thing, but I was so close to crossing it off my to-do list that I just read it through. I think it was worth it. And in true Amy Lane style, she kept me up way past my bedtime reading.

Even though I didn’t really click with the characters, and even after a hiatus, I still felt invested enough in the characters that I was turning the pages faster and faster, wondering how much sleep I really needed to function.

This story touches upon some serious issues (coming out, family, prostitution, human trafficking [sorta], the army, racing, betting, cultural differences, class differences, and probably a few others I missed). There are also some elements of it that seem a little far-fetched (mainly in the end), but that I’m willing to suspend my disbelief about because it’s fiction.

Magic Fingers by Etienne

Magic Fingers by Etienne
Stars: 2/5

Blurb
David Majors should be looking forward to a long and prosperous life: after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he’s attending college courtesy of Uncle Sam and riding the fast track to success. He’s tall, fit, and good-looking, so shouldn’t the world be his oyster? But underneath his clothes—and beneath the surface—David is a mess of scar tissue and insecurity.

Then he meets Kevin Boxer, another former Army Ranger. Their first night together, Kevin stares David’s scars in the face and doesn’t flinch, instead showering David with the passion and attention he craves but never imagined possible. Slowly but surely, Kevin helps David rebuild his confidence, and the two of them begin to build their life together. But their journey is far from over, and it turns out Kevin may need David to help him heal some scars of his own.

Overall
Although this books is promoted as stand alone (part of the Avondale series), I don't think readers who aren't already familiar with the characters from the other Avondale stories will take much from this novel. Although the initial premise is interesting and promises emotional and psychological exploration, the story mainly just follows Kevin and David from their first passionate meeting through to many years later.

The difficulty of finishing the novel is that if you haven't read any of the previous Avondale books, very few, if any, of the characters hold much meaning, so the reader is just guided through everyday life while constantly waiting for something to happen. Nothing does. This may be a good read for fans of Avondale who want to know more about this couple, who I'm guessing make appearances in the other novels (which is why the story got 2 stars instead of 1), but I wouldn't recommend it to the random reader.

Strengths
This story has a very interesting concept that I was eager to see explored: A man deprived of his manhood in modern day America. I've dealt with similar concepts before, but the social environment was never the same, although certain implications still stood true. In Magic Fingers, David not only has to come to terms with his injury, but he has to face others judging him in a very personal, intimate manner. And until he meets Kevin, he's never come across someone who hasn't walked out. There was a potential for great emotional and psychological depth to be explored here.

The writing wasn't bad, but it did feel a little stiff--or at least not strong enough to make up for the lack of story. It was good enough that I did finish the novel, even though the plot and characters didn't entice me.

Weaknesses
This story lacks any real plot line. Although plenty of things happen from beginning to end, none of them are explored thoroughly or as a driving focus of the story, except maybe David's injury. But even that isn't given it's due as while it affects multiple things in the story, it never really goes beyond surface tension. The lack of plot is the biggest weakness of this story as it takes two characters and gives them easy challenges that they always overcome, sometimes with the help of family and friends. The conflicts are always outside sources that are taken care of within a few pages. This read more like a happy dream-fantasy than a novel.

I was also a little disturbed with how David told his father about his injury. Perhaps that shows my own prejudice, but I don't know many sons who would just drop their shorts in front of their father. This was after several other incidents (the party where David first walks around naked in front of other people) that made me feel very disconnected to the characters. They live in a very different world from me and the author never helped me bond with them.

Spoilers below
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I think the most frustrating part of this story is that there are so many potential points of interest that could have been developed. David's injury obviously caused him plenty of previous psychological issues, but when Kevin accepts him (instantly) there is little further drama, except when David is expected to walk around nude or tell his family. Potential for emotional/psychological development that was never touched upon.

Kevin's family is pretty messed up, but he's turned out alright, probably due to his great aunt's and grandmother's influences. The book blurb is probably referring to this as the scars that David will help him heal, but these didn't feel like scars so much as scratches from a pricker bush. Band-aids and kisses made them all better.

Finally, they adopt Kevin's nephew, who has abandonment issues, which they talk about and are careful about, but never really need to face. Another potential for developing characters that was left as something that was talked about but never explored.

All these points suffer from the reader being told the story instead of shown it. Even the writing style goes along these lines, as the first person perspective switches between the two leading males as if they are taking turns telling someone their life story. I think this would have worked better if we were shown one major event in their lives instead of being told about all of them.

Requested this book for review.

Dark Edge of Honor by Rhianon Etzweiler and Aleksandr Voinov

Dark Edge of Honor by Rhianon Etzweiler and Aleksandr Voinov
Stars: 4.5/5

Blurb
Sergei Stolkov is a faithful officer, though his deepest desires go against the Doctrine. A captain with the invading Coalition forces, he believes that self-sacrifice is the most heroic act and his own needs are only valid if they serve the state.

Mike, an operative planted within Cirokko's rebels, has been ordered to seduce Sergei and pry from him the Coalition's military secrets. His mission is a success, but as he captures Sergei's heart, Mike is tempted by his own charade and falls in love.

When the hostile natives of the planet Cirokko make their move, all seems lost. Can Mike and Sergei survive when the Coalition's internal affairs division takes an interest in what happened in the dusty mountains of Zasidka Pass…?

Overall
In a story as gritty as the planet it takes place on, Mike and Sergei struggle with their environment, their armies, and their own feelings. While this isn't a light read, it's not overwhelmingly dark either, immersing the reader in Sergei's struggle to keep hope in what seems like a doomed situation.

The plot, the beginning of which is pretty much described by the blurb, is excellent and definitely interesting, but its the characters that, through strong writing, come alive on the page through their strengths and weaknesses. On my initial read, I had two problems with the story, which I've listed below, but upon re-reading I reconsidered these "weaknesses" and feel they were both handled well in the situation. The main issue, which I think pushed the two supposed weaknesses, was that the blurb sets up a heavy plot that doesn't start really moving until 40% of the way through the book.

That being said: The wait, and the build up to it, are worth it.

Strengths
The characters are in a difficult situation and almost constantly show their bad side, but despite this they are easy to fall in love with because even in their dark moments they struggle for love and hope (without it being as cheesy as that just sounded). Mike, who feels like the 'good guy' since he's not part of the invading army, is an interesting conflict, since while he may be on the 'good' side in the war, he's the more underhanded in the relationship. Sergei, who is part of the militaristic invasion, is almost naive in his dealings with Mike, making the good guy bad and the bad guy good, blurring the lines of there being any sides at all.

This is developed further as we meet Pat and Ulyanov and Nikishin (both of whom I want more of), who are not, on any level, flat characters. In fact, and this applies to the main characters as well, there is so much not talked about beyond a passing mention. Much of what is happening with the characters that isn't vital to the story that is only alluded to, which in its own way is frustrating, but is perfectly acceptable for the story we're being told. It's great to have a story that is bursting with history that we only get a small taste of.

Once the plot really starts, it moves quickly building off all the previous information and relationships. Details that seem insignificant are brought to light as being important without the authors seeming underhanded, misleading or sneaky. One element I enjoyed most about this story is that while it involved politics, war and star-crossed lovers (of sorts), it never relied on a sudden plot twist. What you see is what you get: This story is about the struggle of the individual and the circumstances he finds himself in.

In addition, this novel has a very attractive cover, which doesn't mean much for an ebook, but it still is worth noting, although I've noticed this publisher is better at providing appropriate and understated covers.

Weaknesses
There are two points that I think count as weaknesses, although I know the one at least was, if not on purpose, at least recognized by the authors.

The beginning of the novel is sex heavy, and then followed by the second half of the novel which is plot heavy and completely lacking sex except in moments of flashback. There are obvious reasons for this flip, the most important of which is that the plot and major amounts of sex couldn't happen at the same time, but it is slightly jarring in the switch and did leave me wanting for more plot in the beginning. I felt it was worth the wait and the sexual encounters between the two men did further the plot and character development.

There is a slight feeling of the two men falling in love rather quickly, but it was done in a way that only niggled me slightly, as Sergei hasn't really experienced someone like Mike before, and for Mike there is just something about Sergei that grabs him right from the beginning. Plus they are in a high intensity situation, which amps up both their emotions and reactions.

Requested this book for review.

Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov

Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov
Stars: 5/5

Overall
With great characters, plot and a creative world, there is little to dislike about this book. While warriors, politics and hot sex might not be every one's cup of tea, this is definitely worth taking a risk on. The battles are short, the politics are intriguing (and not too heavy or convoluted), and the wide cast of characters is incredibly interesting. While not a light read, its dark elements are balanced by flashes of humor and a good love story.

Strengths
Characters. For me, characters make or break a story, and here they absolutely made a good story great. Kendras is a good characters, if not a bit stiff in his ideas, but Steel, Widow, the Flames (and the men of the Flames), along with the officers, and the Lady protector really wowed me. They are varied, not black and white. Nothing is simple--not their situations and not their relationships. I think Steel is the most heart-breaking because Kendras judges him so harshly and if an officer had gotten to him earlier, he may not have become the "soulless" man he is when Kendras meets him. Widow is terrifying and amazing and I love what he does in the story (although he can stay far away from me!). Also, the men of the Flames were a nice touch and I hope to see more of them in future stories.

World Building. Voinov takes us through a very creative world that's very dark for our narrator, but we still see glimpses of light that is a normal life. While constructing political parties and armies, he made the Flames and the Scorpions and the train of thought that goes with joining both those groups. It's a world I'd look forward to seeing more of and will let my mind play in secretly. His descriptions are dark and gritty with splashes of (important) color.

Plot. While the sex scenes start early and hot, the beginning of the plot is a slow build that ultimately climaxes in a truly satisfying way. Some of the events aren't easy to handle for both Kendras and for the reader, but surviving them makes the end all the more rewarding. Artistically, the plot was well constructed and interesting, keeping the reader's interest in what will happen next. Ultimately satisfying, in more ways than one.

Weaknesses
There was some slight lag time while the characters were waiting for something to happen that lost me a little. In retrospect it felt necessary and I'm glad it was there, but, for me at least, I struggled a little. Political intrigue/war novels aren't my normal diet though, so people familiar with them may not have any problems. I would still recommend this to people not interested in political intrigue/war novels. The battle scenes are kept short and succinct and while the politics is important, it's not boring and drawn out.

Night Watch by Eden Winters

Night Watch by Eden Winters
Stars: 3/5

Overall:
This story probably isn't strong enough to stand alone, although the plot itself is self contained. It's a nice story, but nothing amazing. It is very touching to watch Jay "deal" with Michael's problems and seeing the relationship from his perspective (since Michael would surely say Jay got the raw end of the deal).

What I liked
I felt the story really picked up once Jay actually arrived home. I realize the need for the detour, but that section dragged a little for me (on the other hand, the story would probably feel like it was missing something if it wasn't there). More than the sex (not that I minded that, it was enjoyable!), I liked watching Jay help Michael come out of himself and his memories through the sensory questions, especially when Michael describes Jay's touches on him.

What didn't work
There was one possible plot hole: The story takes place on July 4th, and the fireworks of New Years are referenced, but The Telling takes place in spring, which mean a July 4th would have already passed once.

The Telling by Eden Winters

The Telling by Eden Winters
Stars: 4/5

Overall:
A well-paced, unfolding story of a war veteran trying to overcome his demons and discover who he is, and the young man who helps guide him on his journey. Everything felt realistic and tasteful while dealing with difficult topics. The bedroom scenes were well written and appropriate for Michael's state of mind, a matter Winters always kept in mind.

What I liked
Emotions. If Jay hadn't had a long-standing crush on Michael's picture, then the relationship between the two men would never have worked. Because he did, his feelings and actions were more believable, cementing a support system for Michael.

Struggles. I enjoyed their small miscommunications/misunderstandings in the beginning that caused a little strife but didn't linger. As the story developed, so did the problems, most of them resulting from Michael's innerself, but also realistic things like coming out and Jay's looming graduation.

Moments. Michael isn't completely broken, but he's not completely stable either. Winters did an excellent job of keeping the balance by using little moments (like when he wakes in the morning) to show the random terror he feels in life. He also experiences larger fears (being outside in the open), which are continued as bigger issues that become hurdles for him to overcome.

What didn't work
Pathos. While I liked the characters, there was no real depth of plot to make me extremely attached to them. When something happened to one, I felt a twinge of sadness, but not much else. I don't think this is necessarily a terrible thing, but it is the weakest point of the novel.